IPOH, Oct 5 — Animal rights group Noah’s Ark has urged the City Council to build a pound to check the rising number of stray dogs and cats in the city.
Its founder Dr Ranjit Kaur said there were thousands of stray animals roaming around the city but the council was not doing enough to resolve the problem.
Speaking at the organisation’s World Animal Day celebration, the veterinarian stressed the need to control the stray population in a humane manner.
“Stray animals can hurt humans and spread diseases but the authorities must use humane methods to manage their population,” she said.
Despite the council’s decision to stop shooting stray dogs in 2010, there was room for improvement in the manner it was addressing the matter.
“The current method by picking up the strays and releasing them in other areas cannot continue,” she said.
“You cannot stuff all the animals in one lorry and drive around the city to pick more up while the rest suffer in the hot and cramped lorry. Dogs tend to be frightened when they are placed in close quarters with other dogs.
“Picking up strays from their natural habitat and releasing them in a different location will also be stressful for them. This could make them violent and disruptive.”
Dr Ranjit said the council should consider building a pound which could house between 10 and 20 strays as the animals would not be kept there permanently.
“The council should consult with the Veterinary Services Department on the design and structure of the pound and must ensure that animals are put down humanely by a registered veterinarian,”she said.
Dr Ranjit said she had written many letters to the council to discuss the matter but it had not responded.
“Our calls and letters have gone unanswered. I hope the council will consider this issue seriously as there is a lot of bitterness among animal-lovers who feel that not enough is being done to protect the strays,” she said.
